Sonnet Echo Express III-D User guide

Brand: Sonnet

Model: Echo Express III-D

Category: Network equipment chassis

Type: User guide

User’s Guide

for Echo

™

Express III-D Desktop

Thunderbolt

™

2-to-PCIe Card

Expansion Chassis

Quick Start Guide Video

Available Online!

Visit

http://www.sonnettech.com/product/

echoexpress3d.html

Click the Video Tab to View

Installation Instructions

For

Windows

1 Introduction and System Requirements 1

2 Echo Express III-D Description 2

3 PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 4

4 Verify Connections Using OS X System Information 7

Verify Echo Express III-D is Recognized

Verify Installed Cards are Recognized

5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues 8

Tips, General Information

Known Issues

6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information 9

Specifications

Safety Precautions

FCC Compliance

Contacting Customer Service

Visit Our Website

A BNC Connector Installation Steps A

Contents

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Chapter 1 – Introduction and System Requirements

System Requirements

While the Echo Express III-D chassis requires no drivers, the

expansion cards you install do; Thunderbolt-compatible drivers

to enable them to work properly through the Thunderbolt

interface are required. More information on which cards are

compatible with Echo Express III-D is available at:

http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/thunderbolt/index.html

* To support more than two PCIe controllers, Windows requires a

Thunderbolt 2 interface in both the computer and the expansion

chassis. Note that some PCIe cards have a bridge to multiple

controllers, so it is possible for a single dual-controller PCIe card to

reach the limit if not connected via Thunderbolt 2. Not all Mac-

compatible PCIe cards are also compatible with Windows.

405.1

15.95

ECHO EXPRESS III-D SIDE VIEW

258.5

10.18

97.1

3.82

ECHO EXPRESS III-D

FRONT VIEW

ECHO EXPRESS III-D

REAR VIEW

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express III-D is a

Thunderbolt 2-to-PCI Express card expansion system; through

its PCIe slots, you may connect three expansion cards to your

Mac

with Thunderbolt technology to expand its capabilities in

ways never before possible! With its Windows

support, the Echo

Express III-D offers you a handy way to connect expansion cards

to your desktop or laptop PC with Thunderbolt technology.

Mac Compatibility

• Mac computer with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port

• OS X

10.8.5 or later

Windows Compatibility

• Windows PC with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port*

• Windows 8, 7

1 – Power Indicator LED

This lights when the Echo Express III-D is powered, the

Thunderbolt cable between the chassis and your computer is

plugged in securely, and the computer powered on.

2 – BNC Connector Mounting Holes

These accommodate the installation of BNC connectors

like those used for HD/SDI output for the RED ROCKET-X

transcoding card, or for MADI and word clock input and

output from cards like RME’s HDSPe MADI FX.

3 – Power Input Socket

Connect the included AC power cable here.

4 – Thunderbolt Ports

Connect a Thunderbolt cable between either port and your

computer’s Thunderbolt port (or other Thunderbolt device in

the chain connected to the computer); the other may be used

to connect to another Thunderbolt device.

Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D Description

Outer Case

Temperature-Controlled Fans

These provide cooling for the installed PCIe cards and

the chassis’ supporting Thunderbolt circuitry. They

operate at a whisper when the cards are running cool,

and automatically speed up in steps as the temperature

rises. Do not block the fans or the vent holes on the

front or back of the chassis to prevent overheating.

Inner Assembly

1 – PCIe Card Bracket Locking Plate

This secures installed PCIe cards and port access

covers in place.

2 – Port Access Covers

These cover openings in the chassis when PCIe

slots are unoccupied.

3 – Slot 1

This is an x8 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot.

It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.

4 – Slot 2

This is an x8 electrical (x16 mechanical) PCIe 2.0

slot. It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0

cards.

5 – Slot 3

This is an x4 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot.

It is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.

6 – Thunderbolt Interface Card

This card is installed in its own slot and may not be

moved to another slot.

7 – 6-Pin Auxilliary Power Connector

Plugged into this connector is the auxiliary power

cable for cards requiring extra power, such as the

Avid Pro Tools|HDX or RED ROCKET-X.

8 – PCIe Card Guides

When installing full-length cards, use these to

support and secure the cards.

9 – Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip

This secures a Thunderbolt connector plugged

into the Echo chassis’ Thunderbolt port to prevent

accidental cable disconnection. This clip is not

compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.

10– Thunderbolt Cable

Connect this cable between the Echo chassis and

your computer (or other Thunderbolt device in the

chain connected to the computer).

Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D Description

Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps

Figure 1

Figure 2

1. Remove the Echo Express III-D from its packaging, and then set it on a

ﬂat, level surface.

2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws

securing the back of the outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).

3. Turn the Echo chassis on its side.

4. Remove and set aside the four screws securing the bottom of the

outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).

5. Tilt the Echo chassis upright.

6. Grasping the outer case with one hand, push

the inner assembly into the outer case,

and then gently pull out the inner

assembly (Figure 1). Set aside

the outer case.

7. Loosen all three thumbscrews of the PCIe card bracket locking plate,

and then remove and set it aside (Figure 2).

8. Remove and set aside the port access covers (Figure 2).

9. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing a PCIe card which requires

auxiliary power, locate the wire harness connected to the 6-pin

connector indicated in the graphic to the right (Figure 3). Remove

the cable twist tie securing the wire harness, and move the loose

connector aside for later connection. Otherwise, go to the next step.

Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static

electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working

inside the Echo Express chassis.

WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent

components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working

in carpeted areas. Handle expansion cards only by their edges and avoid

touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the

Echo chassis’ circuit boards and any of its components.

Figure 3

Slot 1 x8 (x8)

Slot 2 x8 (x16)

Slot 3 x4 (x8)

6-pin connector

Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps

10. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing BNC connectors into the

chassis’ mounting holes, skip to the appendix at the end of this

document for instructions. Otherwise, go to the next step.

11. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges

and without touching any components or gold connector pins.

12. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but ﬁrmly

press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the

card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the

card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the

card again (Figure 4).

13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 as necessary with any remaining cards.

14. If you installed a card which requires auxiliary power, connect the

auxiliary power connector to it now. If you installed cables with BNC

connectors into the chassis, connect them to the card you

installed.

15. If there are any unoccupied slots, install the port

access covers you removed previously

(Figure 4).

16. Secure the cards and port

access covers using the

previously-removed

PCIe card bracket

locking plate

(Figure 4).

17. Grasping the outer case,

gently push the inner

assembly back inside,

and then secure the

outer case to the inner

assembly using the

eight screws you

removed

previously; do not

overtighten the screws

(Figure 5).

Figure 4

Figure 5

Support Note: If you are installing an Avid Pro Tools|HDX PCIe

card, you will need to disconnect the Echo chassis‘ auxiliary power

wire harness plugged into the 6-pin connector indicated in Figure 3, and

replace it with the one included with the Avid card.

Support Note: If you are installing an x8 PCIe 1.1 card like the

original Red Rocket (not Red Rocket-X), or certain 10 Gigabit

Ethernet cards, installing it into slot 3 may result in reduced performance.

We recommend you install it into either slot 1 or 2 for best performance.

Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps

18. Connect the included Thunderbolt cable between either Thunderbolt

port on the Echo chassis and a Thunderbolt port on your computer,

or other Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the computer

(Figure 6). Secure the retainer clip to the chassis if you attached it.

If you are daisy chaining additional Thunderbolt devices, connect

another Thunderbolt cable between the downstream device and the

open Thunderbolt port on the Echo chassis.

19. Connect interface cables between devices, PCIe cards, and computer

as necessary.

20. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power strip

and the Echo chassis’ power socket. Note that the power indicator on

the Echo Express III-D will not light until the computer, and any other

Thunderbolt device connected between it and the Echo chassis, is

powered on.

Figure 6

Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ Thunderbolt connector

retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt cable to the Echo

chassis to prevent accidental disconnects. Although it is compatible with

other copper Thunderbolt cables like Apple’s, it is not compatible with

optical Thunderbolt cables.

To attach the clip to the cable, remove them from their packaging, and then

insert the connector into the connector clip as shown (Figure 6). Note that

the connector will pass all the way through the clip; when you connect the

cable to the chassis, the clip will secure the cable.

Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using OS X System Information

Figure 8

Figure 9

A – Verify the Echo Express III-D is Recognized

1. With the Echo chassis powered and connected to the

computer, turn on the computer.

2. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac; the

System Information application will launch.

3. When the About This Mac window opens, click More

Info; a summary of speciﬁcations will appear.

4. Click System Report; a full report window will appear.

5. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt

under the Hardware header in the left column

(Figure 8).

6. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device

Tree header, you will see the computer, followed by

“Echo Express III” (Figure 8).

B – Verify Installed Cards are Recognized

1. When a card is installed into one of Echo chassis’ PCIe

slot(s), the PCIe slot (listed as a port), the Status should

appear as connected.

2. Click PCI Cards under the Hardware header in the left

column (Figure 9).

3. At the top of the right column, installed cards are listed.

By selecting a card at the top, detailed information is

listed. You should see “Yes” next to Driver Installed and

Tunnel Compatible, otherwise the card or driver may

not be Thunderbolt compatible (Figure 9).

Support Note: If “Echo Express III” is not listed,

disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable

between the computer and Echo chassis. Note that it is not

necessary to shut down the computer before disconnecting

and reconnecting the cable.

Support Note: While Echo Express expansion

chassis require no drivers, installed cards require

Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to enable their use.

Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues

KNOWN ISSUES

Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100%

Thunderbolt 2’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 20Gbps. While

many cards will operate at full performance, some may not due

to the fact they require more bandwidth than Thunderbolt 2 is

capable of delivering.

OS X Updates May Break Compatibility

Specific device drivers that work under one version of OS X

may not work under a later version. Before updating to the

latest OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe cards’

manufacturers to verify that the existing drivers work with

the new OS version. Note that other software updates for the

computer may also break compatibility.

Some Devices’ Performance May be Affected by Where They

Are Connected in a Thunderbolt Chain

However small, Thunderbolt introduces latency to a device chain.

If you expand with additional Thunderbolt expansion chassis,

you may need to experiment with which cards work better in

chassis closer to or farther from the computer in the chain.

PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!

Never install a PCIe card into Echo Express while it is connected

to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk injury, and

damage to the card, chassis, and computer.

TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION

Keeping the Cards Cool

With its optimized airﬂow design and temperature-controlled

fans providing cooling at all times, Echo Express III-D provides

adequate cooling for the installed cards. Do not operate the Echo

Express III-D with the outer case removed, and do not block any

of the vents! Otherwise, the installed cards and Echo Express’

components may overheat.

Hot Plugging the Echo Express Expansion Chassis

When certiﬁed Thunderbolt-compatible cards (used with

Thunderbolt-compatible drivers) are installed in Echo Express

III-D, you may connect and disconnect the chassis while the

computer is on. Of course, if you have anything connected to

the cards, such as storage devices, cameras, etc., follow proper

procedures for disconnecting those devices before unplugging

the Echo Express chassis.

There’s No Need to Unplug the Power Cable

Because Echo Express automatically powers on and off with the

computer to which it’s connected, there’s no power switch, nor is

there any need to disconnect the power cable under normal use.

Power Indicator LED Operation

Because Echo Express automatically powers on and off with

the computer to which it’s connected, the power indicator LED

only turns on when the computer is on, and turns off when the

computer is sleeping or powered off.

Connecting Additional Thunderbolt Devices

You may connect up to six Thunderbolt devices total in a daisy

chain, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

Using Expansion Cards Without Drivers

Some Thunderbolt-compatible expansion cards, like Sonnet’s

Allegro

™

FW800 PCIe FireWire

adapter and Sonnet’s Tempo

™

SATA Pro 6Gb eSATA cards, use drivers built into the OS.

Replacing Cards or Adding Cards After Initial Installation

If you decide to replace or add a card to Echo Express after the

initial setup, shut down the computer, and then disconnect the

power cord and Thunderbolt cables before installing a card.

Chapter 6 – Speciﬁcations, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information

Warnings (continued)

• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers

that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in

damp or wet conditions.

• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if

liquids enter it, unplug it from the electrical outlet immediately.

• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your

reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in

this User’s Guide.

FCC Compliance

Echo Express III complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation

is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not

cause harmful interference, AND this device must accept any

interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

Contacting Customer Service

The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the

most current support information and technical updates. Before

you call Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest

updates and online support ﬁles, and check this User’s Guide for

helpful information.

When you call Customer Service, have the following information

available so the customer service staff can better assist you:

• Product name

• Date and place of purchase

• Computer model

• PCIe card models

• Operating system version

• Software/ﬁrmware versions

USA Customers

If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer

Service at:

Tel: 1-949-472-2772

(Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Paciﬁc Time)

E-mail: support@sonnettech.com

For Customers Outside the USA

For support on this product, contact your reseller or local

distributor.

Visit Our Web Site

For the most current product information and online support

ﬁles, visit the Sonnet Web site at www.sonnettech.com/support/.

to be informed of future upgrades and product releases.

Specifications

External Connectors Two Thunderbolt 2

Power (C14-type)

PCIe 2.0 Expansion

Slots

• One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical)

• One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical)

• One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical)

PCIe Cards Supported • One full length, full-height,

double-width PCIe card, plus one

single-width card

• Three full length, full-height,

single-width PCIe cards

Compatible PCIe Cards See Sonnet Website

(www.sonnettech.com)

Power Supply Universal 300W, 115-230V AC,

50-60 Hz

(1)

Operating

Temperatures

0˚ C to 35˚ C

(32˚ F to 95˚ F)

Dimensions WxDxH 3.8 x 16 x 10.2 in.

(9.7 x 40.5 x 25.9 cm)

Weight

(Echo Express Pro)

7.5 lbs

(3.4 kg)

RoHS Compliant Yes

Package Contents • Echo Express III-D chassis

• Power cord

• Thunderbolt cable

• ThunderLok Thunderbolt

connector retainer clip

(2)

• User’s guide

1. Power supply will operate at 90-115V AC, with linear power deration of

240W-300W over that range.

2. Not compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These

precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device,

thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help

you to minimize the risk of damaging the device.

Warnings

Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of

serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, ﬁre,

and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:

• Do not attempt to modify the enclosure. If this device appears

to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.

• Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling chassis may

result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.

• Do not insert your ﬁngers or foreign objects inside the slot(s).

Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps

1. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the Thunderbolt

interface card to the inner assembly (Figure A-1).

2. Gently push down on the edge of the card to disengage the card from

its slot (Figure A-1).

3. Grasping the card by its edges, rotate the bracket out of the inner

assembly, and then pull out the card (Figure A-2). Set aside the

Thunderbolt interface card on ﬂat surface, component side down.

4. Insert the BNC cables through the BNC connector mounting holes in

the inner assembly (Figure A-3). Route the cables out over the top of

the PCIe slot riser card.

5. Slide the connector nuts over the BNC cables, and then secure the

connectors to the inner assembly (Figure A-3).

Figure A-1

Figure A-2

Figure A-3

Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps

6. Grasping the Thunderbolt interface card by its edges, insert the card

back into the inner assembly (Figure A-4).

7. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but ﬁrmly

press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the

card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the

card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the

card again (Figure A-5).

8. Using the two screws you removed previously, secure the Thunderbolt

interface card to the inner assembly; do not overtighten the screws

(Figure A-5).

9. Return to step 11 on page 5 to complete the PCIe card and chassis

setup steps.

Figure A-4

Figure A-5

Inc. FireWire, Mac, the Mac logo, and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt 2 and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks

of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice.

Printed in the USA. UG-ECHO-EXP3FD-E-E-102715